THEOSISWlastow G.K.
In verses 10 through 13, there are significant regulations for the shepherding community, which, as indicated by Jacob's words to Laban (Gen. 31:39), are ancient traditions that have long governed the interactions between the owner of extensive herds and those who entrusted their smaller flocks to him for safekeeping. These rules also define the relationship between the herd owner and the shepherds or caretakers of the animals. In the event of disputes, an oath before the judges in the name of the Lord was used to resolve conflicts; however, this only pertained to instances of covert theft from the entrusted herd.
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Carcasses and injuries needed to be reported to the herdsman, who was not entitled to compensation for dead animals, as such incidents were frequent in the life of a shepherd and were unavoidable for both shepherd and owner. For theft that was not overt (v. 12), where the shepherd was aware of the thief and likely could have intervened, compensation was required to be paid to the aggrieved owner or shepherd. In such cases, the owner would receive double the value from the thief, while in other known instances, the compensation could be fourfold or fivefold.